Steven Soderbergh never wanted to return to the helm for the Ocean’s franchise, but he was more than happy to get behind any future films, so when Warner Bros. said they wanted to return to the franchise with an all-woman cast in a spin-off, he signed on board as producer. Gary Ross and Olivia Milch were hired to write the script and Ross to direct, and with that, Ocean’s Eight was born. But will Ross and Milch be able to capture the fun and unbelievable heists that Soderbergh did in his original trilogy? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we aim to find out as we wrap up the Ocean’s series with Ross’ 2018 film Ocean’s Eight.
We talk about how this film fits in the franchise and how well it works as part of that universe. We look at the struggles we have with the story and particular elements of the heist, which is particularly frustrating because we largely love the characters so much. We discuss the actresses playing the team, from Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett through to Awkwafina and Rihanna, and look at what they’re each bringing to the table. We debate if Helena Bonham Carter is playing too many crazy roles but revel in what she’s doing here. We try to figure out if this was an original script or based on a different property. And we go through what Ross is doing here as director and wonder if he’s just not bringing enough fun to the film, which is already struggling with a weaker script and diminishing what Soderbergh had created.
It’s still a fun film and feels a part of the franchise, even if it’s a blander entry. That being said, we have a great conversation about it so check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins.
Film Sundries
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